Pacific Naturopathic
1580 W. El Camino Real, Suite 7
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 961-1660
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Pacific Naturopathic Newsletter
Number 168 • August 2023
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Cancer Update: News and Therapies
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COVID Rules for Patient Visits
Dear friends,
If you are even slightly symptomatic or have tested COVID positive in the past 10 days, please do not come to the clinic seeking care. We are not first responders and patients coming to the clinic for IV therapy or in-person appointments must be protected. Thank you for observing this important rule.
We are following the protocols as set by Sutter Health.
- We are still offering either in-person patient visits or consultations via Zoom or FaceTime. Your choice.
- Masks are required in the clinic. No more temperature checks upon arrival.
- Intravenous therapy is still being offered to non-symptomatic patients in our office. New IV patients are also welcomed.
Please phone for information: 650-961-1660
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What this newsletter is about...
As one of Dr. Marcel's patients once told him many years ago, "cancer is relentless."
Neither conventional medicine nor the adjunctive cancer care that we offer at Pacific Naturopathic can "cure" cancer. What we can do is try to slow cancer progression down and hope for a stasis. The word "remission" used in conventional cancer care does not mean that the cancer has resolved. The definition of remission is, "a diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery."
The truth is that once you have had cancer, you need to live your life focused on activities and therapies that forestall a return of active tumor growth. At Pacific Naturopathic, until a more permanent solution is discovered, that is exactly what we try to do. In this vein...
This month's newsletter offers several insights into our adjunctive cancer care program as well as discussing a few new offerings in the conventional medical world. Dr. Connie begins by musing about the holistic approach to cancer, from the mental/emotional/spiritual realms to the physical; Dr. Marcel presents some of the highlights from the world of cancer research and offers his opinions on each of them; Dr. Cox presents a discussion on Ozone therapy, now being offered at Pacific Naturopathic; Dr. Connie writes about the health benefits of coffee as concerns cancer; Dr. Marcel presents a discussion on Salicinium, a new cancer care offering at Pacific Naturopathic; Dr. Shelmire sheds insight into homeopathy; and Dr. Marcel writes about the four-pronged cancer care approach offered at Pacific Naturopathic.
You will also find our usual columns on thermography, our Hawaii vacation rental, the wonders of the Myers cocktail, medical humor, inspiration and more.
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FLASH -- FLASH
Dr. Marcel's new book on prostate cancer is now available! Scroll down to read more about it!
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Of course, you'll find our regular updates on our Hawaii vacation rental, thermography, health products we like and the wonderful Myers Cocktail. Humor and and inspiration also have their own regular places in the newsletter.
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Think happy, healthy thoughts!
Find opportunities for laughter!
Express love and appreciation often!
Smile when you read this!
Dr. Connie, Dr. Marcel, Dr. Cox, Dr. Shelmire, Jane,
Anandini, Bridget, Gabe and Marina
Your Pacific Naturopathic Team
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About Pacific Naturopathic | Pacific Naturopathic is a true, old-style family business. We've been serving in California since 1993. Dr. Marcel and Dr. Connie are the docs, their son, Gabe, is systems manager, Gabe's wife, Marina, is the thermography tech, Dr. Marcel's sister, Jane, is our mind/body specialist and our 3-year-old grandson, Quinn, (pictured here) is the minister of joy. Recently, Dr. Cox and Dr. Shelmire have joined the extended family. | |
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Our doctors have years of experience in helping provide information to our patients to help them make informed choices on which path to pursue. We are experts in evidence-based alternative and adjunctive cancer care.
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Our lovely Hawaii vacation rental has woven its magic with our guests for 15 years!
Book through our office for special savings by phoning 650-961-1660.
Speak with Dr. Marcel for more information.
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Serving the Bay Area since 1993. Experience counts in the field of medicine. We have also shared our knowledge by mentoring many other doctors over the years.
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Dr. Marcel's just published book....
An Integrative Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer
by Dr. Marcel Hernandez, ND
• What is a prostate and what does it do?
• Is a prostate biopsy safe?
• What does the Gleason score mean?
• How is the PSA interpreted?
• What new therapies are available for treating prostate cancer?
• Is surgery the right approach for me?
• What are the side effects of conventional therapies for prostate cancer?
• What evidence-based natural treatments are available for prostate cancer?
This is a must-have book for men with prostate cancer, for their caretakers, for health care providers and anyone seeking to understand how an integrative approach combining both conventional and alternative therapies to treating cancer offers far better outcomes.
Available from Amazon HERE
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Dr. Connie's musings...
A Holistic Approach
to Cancer
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by Dr. Connie Hernandez, ND
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Many patients come to our clinic with past or present cancers, or fear of cancer based on individual circumstance, genetic information, or family histories. Our care for cancer patients and survivors ranges from general naturopathic care to specific nutrients, botanicals, energy medicines and Intravenous and ozone therapies.
As with all conditions, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues are causal. Addressing them is paramount. Depression, general distress, and a history of traumatic incidents have been linked to various cancers. The fear that accompanies diagnosis can lead to decisions that run contrary to a person’s belief systems and can increase pain and distress and create disturbances such as anxiety and insomnia. As mental and emotional considerations create and overpower physical manifestations, these issues must be addressed lest therapies be in vain. Treatment may include counseling or support groups, targeted flower essences, Emotional Freedom Technique or self-hypnotherapy, affirmation, breathing, and meditation techniques.
It is important at another level to address causes such as current or past toxic exposure. Toxic exposures may be general or occupational environmental exposures, including disruptive chemicals and electromagnetic frequencies and moldy environments. Failure to address these issues during treatment is akin to taking poison with one hand and grabbing for a cure with the other.
Detoxification might include enhancing lymphatic and circulatory flow through the body, optimizing digestive and respiratory function, attending to the kidneys. One of our favorites, and among the safest of detox techniques is the use of infrared sauna, which uses the skin as the largest organ of detoxification. As you sweat, you sweat out environmental toxins.
Viral issues have been implicated in many cancers, with certain viruses disrupting the body and opening the body to cancers long after an acute viral episode is over. Testing for these viruses may include testing for antibodies to Human papilloma virus, Epstein Barr virus, herpes and hepatitis viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If positive for viral issues, anti-viral protocols must play a part in cancer treatment.
Diet may be addressed quite simply with basic dietary guidelines, and/or with more intensive fasting practices or modified Mediterranean diets. Simple guidelines include eating organic food, avoiding unhealthy fats and sugars and simple carbs, including anti-inflammatory fats, healthy proteins (pasture raised and finished poultry and meats, wild fish), and increasing the variety and quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Our basic 12 hour fasting Wellness Panel can target issues such as inflammation, immune status, metabolic function, mitochondrial health, blood sugar control, early cancer indicators, and less than optimal vitamin status. Viral panels detail current and chronic viral issues. Urinary hormonal profiles identify changeable metabolic pathways that may either promote inflammatory and carcinogenic states or enhance beneficial metabolism. Other specialty panels are used to target problem areas, address the gut microbiome and intracellular nutrient status.
If a person has already been diagnosed with cancer and is involved in conventional treatment protocols, naturopathic care includes supportive therapy throughout surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Specific nutrients and botanicals can ease surgical complications and enhance efficacy and diminish the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
As with all chronic disease states, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For that reason, we are particularly excited when people come in for Wellness Visits to optimize all that they can to help prevent the development of issues not yet manifesting as diseases such as cancer in their bodies.
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Dr.Connie: 650-961-1660
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Protect Yourself and Your Family
by Boosting Your Body's Reserves
of Immune System Supporting Nutrients
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Myers Cocktail:
Safe, Powerful, Effective
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The Myers Cocktail has been around for more than 40 years and is the most popular IV cocktail in our clinic. Read this detailed information sheet and you will see why.
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Want to learn more about the Myers Cocktail? Alan Gaby, MD, has written the definitive, easy-to-read MONOGRAPH about it.
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Please phone 650-961-1660 for more information. A full description of our intravenous therapy offerings is available HERE
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Cancer Update: New Info from Conventional
Medical Channels
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Daily Dose of Vitamin D Could Slash Cancer Deaths: study
A new study from the German Cancer Research Center looked at 14 different studies involving 105,000 people and came to the conclusion that a daily dose of Vitamin D could reduce cancer deaths by 12 percent. The researchers said that using the Vitamin may not protect against developing cancer but “could reduce the likelihood of dying from cancer.”
My Comment: I think it would be undignified to say, “duh.” Naturopathic oncologists have known for years that a Vitamin D3 blood value of between 60 and 80 ng/ml was an important part of a therapeutic regimen for cancer. In my experience, I have not had a new cancer patient yet with a satisfactory blood value of Vitamin D3. I recommend 5000 IUs a day for everyone with occasional serum checks to make sure the levels stay within range. We can also receive additional Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, oily fish like salmon and egg yolks.
Scientists Develop a Molecule that Kills Tumors Without Affecting Other Cells
A mutated protein called proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), helps tumors repair and grow. A team of researchers at City of Hope developed a molecule, AOH1996, that targets and kills the mutated PCNA. The researchers state that AOH1996 can suppress tumor reproduction and growth as a monotherapy or in conjunction with other drugs without having a negative effect on normal, healthy cells. More than 70 cancer cell lines have been successfully addressed by AOH1996.
My Comment: AOH1996 is a drug that is classified as a “targeted therapy” in that it addresses a specific biochemical pathway of tumor metabolism rather than trying to kill the tumor with a chemical, as does chemotherapy. It is clear from the soaring cancer rates that we have not yet found a definitive cure, although through adjunctive cancer care we have developed strategies to slow down cancer growth and, in some cases, achieve stability. Clinical trials with AOH1996 are just starting. If interested, contact City of Hope directly to inquire about the trial. https://www.cityofhope.org
Scientists Successfully Use Artificial DNA To Kill Cancer Cells
Researchers at the University of Tokyo, in Japan, stymied by the lack of success of chemotherapy, have created artificial DNA to target and destroy cancer cells. While looking for a different mechanism of action in cancer therapy, creating a fake DNA activates a powerful immune response that eliminates cancer cells and hinders further tumor growth.
My Comment: As a naturopathic doctor, I always favor approaches that enhance and stimulate the body’s own immune system to seek out and destroy tumors. One of the dangers of helping the immune system recognize a tumor is that an overwhelming immune system response can also create a huge inflammatory condition as immune cells try to kill the tumor. No clinical trials have yet been announced. https://www.h.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/centers-services/central-clinical-facilities/cancer-resource-center/index.html#
Newly discovered T-Cells Could Rid Late Stage Cancer Patients of Tumors
Scientists at Cardiff University in Wales have identified a patient who possessed “souped-up” killer T-cells that are much better at recognizing tumors than normal T-cells. From studying this person’s immune system, the scientists have developed what they call Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte therapy, or “TIL.” The scientists at Cardiff have successfully treated several late-stage cancer patients by taking the patient’s own white cells and artificially enhancing them to attack the cancer. In clinical trial, TIL therapy has been successful in 80 percent of cancer cases.
My Comment: Again, any cancer therapy that uses the body’s own immune system to deal with the tumor may possibly spare the patient from the devastating effects of chemotherapy. The scientists at Cardiff University are still trying to figure out how this therapy works – stay tuned. https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/research-topics/biomedical-and-life-sciences/cancer
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Dr. Marcel: 650-961-1660
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Ozone Therapy: Effective and Safe -- Now Available at Pacific Naturopathic
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by Brian Cox, ND
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When you hear the word “ozone,” you may immediately think of the ozone layer in our atmosphere that protects us from the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are what create ozone (O3).
Ozone is an energized form of oxygen which contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two we normally breathe. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilizer in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors. Interestingly, ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact, the “fresh, clean, spring rain” smell that we notice after a storm most often results from the creation of ozone.
How does ozone work?
The third oxygen atom of ozone makes it extremely reactive, and it readily attaches itself to other molecules. When contaminants such as bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, the ozone creates a minuscule hole in the cell wall. After the ozone breaches the cell wall, the bacteria are unable to survive. This process is called “oxidation.” Once used, ozone reverts to oxygen, making it a very environmentally friendly oxidant.
Isn’t ozone a pollutant?
Unlike stratospheric ozone, which forms naturally in the upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, ground-level (or tropospheric) ozone is created through the interactions of both human-made and natural emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the presence of heat and sunlight. Cars and gasoline-burning engines are significant sources of VOCs, which also come from consumer products such as paints, insecticides, and cleaners, as well as industrial solvents and chemical manufacturing. NOx, the other chemical precursor of ozone, is produced whenever we burn fossil fuels, primarily by motor vehicles and power plants. The sun’s direct ultraviolet rays convert these emissions into ground-level ozone, which is unhealthy to breathe.
Is ozone safe?
Ozone is safe when used under the right circumstances. However, if the proper safety measures are not in place, then high concentrations of ozone in the air can cause health problems. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has stipulated that the allowable safe level of residual ozone is 0.1 ppm. Note that this permissible exposure limit (PEL) is for continuous exposure throughout an entire eight-hour day. If you start to cough when around ozone, there is too much ozone in the air, and you should remove yourself from the location or properly ventilate while remedying the cause of ozone in the air. Do keep in mind that it takes an extended period at very elevated levels to cause irritation to the lungs.
How is medical ozone produced?
There are two methods of producing ozone: ultraviolet (UV) and corona discharge. Corona discharge creates ozone by applying high-voltage to a metallic grid sandwiched between two dielectrics. The voltage passes through the dielectric to a grounded screen/ plate and in the process, creates ozone from oxygen present in the chamber. UV light creates ozone when a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm) hits an oxygen atom. Both processes split oxygen molecules into single oxygen atoms (O). These atoms combine with another oxygen molecule (O2 ) to form ozone (O3 ), which physicians then use medically.
Why is Ozone therapy so effective with many issues, especially patients with cancer?
Dr. Cox believes that Ozone therapy is so effective for patients with cancer and many aliments because it helps to deal with the root causes of disease. For example, his experience as well as research has shown ozone therapy to be effective with helping to lower viral loads in patients. He has seen a correlation that when patient’s viral load(s) are significantly reduced, symptoms like cancer are also reduced or may even disappear in many patients. He finds that when patients are screened for viruses that have a correlation with various issues and some cancers, it is especially important to have their viral load tracked along with the relief of their symptoms for efficacy. Call our office to learn more or set up an appointment.
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To schedule with Dr. Cox: 650-961-1660
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Coffee and Cancer
by Connie Hernandez, ND
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Coffee has a checkered history in health care, often due to the caffeine content. Coffee has been implicated in anxiety and insomnia, digestive disorders, and adrenal issues, not to mention the unpleasant effects of withdrawal to coffee when addicted to that morning joe. At the same time, coffee has been linked to lower weight gain and a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. Green coffee beans and extracts support neurotransmitters in the brain. Coffee also plays a valuable role in detoxification, particularly in the Gerson cancer treatment therapies in which daily coffee enemas played an enormous role in successful treatments.
As the science of coffee has evolved, so has our understanding of the variables that make coffee healthy for a person. As with any food or drink, coffee beans which are subjected to pesticides will be harmful rather than helpful. The fermentation and drying processes used in the production of coffee may cause damaging effects due to the residual mold in the coffee. (Brands such as Bulletproof coffee go to great lengths to avoid the mold and pesticide issues.) Decaffeinating coffee is not generally an answer to reducing side effects unless water processing is used. (Otherwise, decaffeination may involve formaldehyde, not something generally recognized as safe to the human body.) Brewing procedures also play a role, with coffee filtered in organic paper filters being healthier than unfiltered coffee, which contains 30x more diterpines, compounds which both raise cholesterol, but have anti-cancer effects. Dosing is an issue, with greater than 4 cups of coffee a day promoting detrimental effects.
Back to the Gerson coffee enemas -- an early and continuing understanding is that these enemas promote detoxification through stimulating liver and gall bladder function and the production of bile. Added to that understanding was the 1981 finding of Dr. Lee Wattenberg that coffee, through unique diterpenes with anti-cancer properties (cafestol and kahweol palmitate) can reduce pain and promote the activity of glutathione-S-transferase, a phase 2 liver detoxification enzyme that helps detox xenobiotics. (Note that over and under production of this enzyme can be an issue in specific tissues and cancers).
As genetic research matures, it is understood that coffee’s anti-cancer effects, specifically the cafestol and kahweol, are realized through a number of genes relevant to cell death, proliferation of cells, inflammation, inhibition of migration of cells, and blood vessel formation around tumors. Changes in these parameters would have direct anti-tumor effects.
Though some oncologists argue that coffee enemas might detoxify chemotherapeutic drugs before they have a chance to work, studies do not appear to support this view. Rather, cafestol may actually promote efficacy. A prostate cancer study indicates that 3-4 cups of boiled and unfiltered coffee may be sufficient to support anti cancer effects. Coffee enemas are far more powerful.
Whatever the mechanism of action, Gerson therapy (the coffee enemas being but one part of the therapy) has documented efficacy in many cases of cancer. It is clear that further research will elucidate other anticarcinogenic benefits. For those interested in the science, see The Townsend Letter, Saturday, August 5, 2023, “Coffee Enemas: Upending the Old Story."
Meanwhile, if you love your coffee, stick with moderate consumption of clean coffee. For comprehensive protocols involving coffee enemas integrated with dietary management, look for a certified Gerson Therapy practitioner.
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Dr. Connie: 650-961-1660
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A NEW APPROACH TO CANCER CARE:
Salicinium Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Program at Pacific Naturopathic
-- Safe, Non-Toxic, Effective --
by Marcel Hernandez, ND
Why?
At Pacific Naturopathic, we have been studying cancer and treating cancer patients for many years. In the past two or three years, we have noticed that whether using adjunctive therapy (as we do at Pacific Naturopathic) or conventional therapy, cancer is increasingly difficult to get under control. Environmental challenges such as EMFs (5G), long term side effects of pesticide and herbicide use, toxicity from synthetic materials, untreated surreptitious viral and bacterial infections and other assaults have become prominent factors affecting cancer treatment. Achieving disease-free survival has become more difficult.
In a correctly-functioning immune system, cells that are mutated or damaged are recognized and destroyed. Cancer cells have multiple ways of evading that immune destruction, and one of those ways is through an enzyme called nagalase. Nagalase is secreted by cancer cells, and it allows those cells to hide from the immune system and avoid destruction. Nagalase is sometimes referred to as cancer cells’ “cloak of invisibility.” Simply put, salicinium works by shutting down the cellular production of nagalase so the immune system can recognize and destroy the cancer.
An important fact is that, unlike chemotherapy, salicinium promotes the destruction of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Studies show that salicinium can also increase the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation by making cancer cells more susceptible to these treatments and can also helping lessen the side effects from these treatments.
Salicinium also helps boost the immune system by activating certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells (NK cells), which play a key role in identifying and destroying cancer cells. This partly explains salicinium’s benefit in many chronic illnesses, including lyme disease.
Cancer, lyme disease and many other chronic illnesses can shut down cellular energy production. This decrease in energy production impacts every other system and can manifest as fatigue, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, poor wound healing, poor digestion, impaired detoxification, chronic pain, and constant feelings of malaise. Salicinium has been shown to help restore energy production, thereby improving cellular function and overall health.
Another potential benefit of salicinium is improvement in detoxification by supporting liver function. By helping the body to eliminate toxins, salicinium may help reduce the overall burden on the immune system, thereby freeing the immune cells to more effectively target and destroy diseased or cancerous cells.
How does Salicinium work?
Healthy cells do not have the ability to accept highly complex sugar molecules -- those molecules having something additional attached to the glycome portion. Because cancer cells possess an enzyme known as b-glucosidase they have the ability to break a complexed molecule apart and use the glycome portion to create energy. Salicinium uses this process to deliver its components to the cancer cell disguised as sugar. Like the Trojan Horse. Once the cell removes the glycome for energy it's left with a portion it cannot metabolize which becomes cytotoxic to the cancer cell. Salicinium simultaneously enhances your own immune (Natural Killer/Gc MAF) cells renewing their defensive capabilities. This all takes place with no toxicity and having no effect blood glucose levels.
How effective is Salicinium against cancer?
Several studies show that Salicinium targets cancer-initiating cells (cancer stem cells, or CSC) resistant to conventional therapies. Numerous studies show that Salicinium not only reduces tumor volume, but also decreases tumor recurrence when used as an adjuvant to standard treatments. Results from 675 cancer patients show that Salicinium effectively treats many different types of cancer, significantly extending survival for all groups studied (including a majority of patients with treatment-resistant Stage IV cancer).
In related studies, Salicinium effectively treated chronic viral infections, including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes viruses (HVs). Additional studies have demonstrated that Salicinium safely and effectively treats cancer and viral infections by disrupting glycolytic (sugar) metabolism in cancer and virus-infected cells, causing cell death (apoptosis). Additionally, Salicinium restores and potentiates healthy immune function in patients with cancer and chronic viral infections by disrupting synthesis and reducing blood levels of the immune-suppressive enzyme “nagalase” (alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase).
Salicinium Articles:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4496345/
https://www.knowbalance.com/storage/app/media/townsend-letter-salicinium-article.pdf
**THE INTRAVENOUS THERAPY PART OF THE SALICINIUM PROTOCOL AT PACIFIC NATUROPATHIC STARTS AUGUST 28 AND WILL CONTINUE FOR THREE WEEKS. THE PROGRAM WILL NOT BE OFFERED AGAIN UNTIL NEXT YEAR. FOR INFORMATION ON PARTICIPATION PLEASE CONTACT DR. MARCEL AT mjh111842@gmail.com
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What is Homeopathy?
by Krystal Shelmire, ND
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Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is a medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago. It is based on two non-conventional theories:
“Like cures like”— the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people.
“Law of minimum dose”— the notion that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Many homeopathic products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain.
Homeopathic products come from plants (such as red onion, arnica (mountain herb), poison ivy, belladonna (deadly nightshade), and stinging nettle; minerals (such as white arsenic); or animals (such as crushed whole bees).
Homeopathic products are often made as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue. They may also be in other forms, such as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets.
Treatments are “individualized” or tailored to each person -- it’s common for different people with the same condition to receive different treatments. Homeopathy uses a different diagnostic system for assigning treatments to individuals and recognizes clinical patterns of signs and symptoms that are different from those of conventional medicine.
How Does It Work?
A basic belief behind homeopathy is “like cures like.” In other words, something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person can -- in a very small dose -- treat an illness with similar symptoms. This is meant to trigger the body’s natural defenses. For example, red onion makes your eyes water so it is used in homeopathic remedies to treat allergies.
Homeopathic doctors (who also are called “homeopaths”) dilute full-strength ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then, they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentiation.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence. Homeopaths also believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine. In fact, many of these remedies no longer contain any molecules of the original substance. They come in a variety of forms, like sugar pellets, liquid drops, creams, gels, and tablets.
During your appointment, a homeopath will ask a number of questions about your mental, emotional, and physical health. They will prescribe the remedy that best matches all of your symptoms. Then they will tailor the treatment for you.
Consultation
Homeopaths generally begin with a consultation, which can be a 10 –15 minute appointment or last for as long as two hours, where the patient describes their medical history. The patient describes the "modalities", or if their symptoms change depending on the weather and other external factors. The practitioner also solicits information on mood, likes and dislikes, physical, mental and emotional states, life circumstances, and any physical or emotional illnesses. This information (also called the "symptom picture") is matched to the "drug picture" in the materia medica or repertory and used to determine the appropriate homeopathic remedies. In classical homeopathy, the practitioner attempts to match a single preparation to the totality of symptoms (the simlilum), while "clinical homeopathy" involves combinations of preparations based on the illness's symptoms. Homeopathy is both fascinating and effective.
For more information:
To schedule with Dr. Shelmire: 650-961-1660
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The Adjunctive Cancer Program at Pacific Naturopathic
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by Marcel Hernandez, ND
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When welcoming a new cancer patient into Pacific Naturopathic, I tell them that like the four legs of a chair offer support for the body, the four components of our adjunctive cancer care program offer support for the cancer experience.
The first leg of the program is oral supplementation. Regardless of internet hype, oral supplements are not going to cure cancer. Rather, they perform support functions like addressing nutrient deficiencies, decreasing inflammation, preventing angiogenesis, stimulating the immune system and, in some cases, causing some cancer cell apoptosis.
The second leg of the program is the mind/body connection. This part of the program is the most difficult for new patients to understand and implement as western medicine almost entirely addresses illnesses on the physical level. The scientifically proven fact is that stress undermines the immune system predisposes people to opportunistic illnesses. Also, old tapes playing in consciousness that are reflective of cancer-caused anxiety contribute to poor outcomes. We do have an extremely effective mind/body treatment program at Pacific Naturopathic, but few people take advantage of this opportunity. Working on the mental/emotional level is just not part of our society’s approach to dealing with cancer.
The third leg of the program is the nutritional component. The dietary approach for cancer developed at Pacific Naturopathic is mostly common-sense healthy eating – low carbs, lots of fruits and vegetables, adequate non-red meat protein, healthy oils, eating mostly organic and avoiding food additives of all kinds and more. The foundation of the cancer diet is a modified Mediterranean diet, long regarded as the healthiest diet in the world. For patients from ethnic backgrounds, we help them modify their traditional diets to be more in tune with cancer care.
The fourth leg is the intravenous therapy program. The heart of the IV program is intravenous vitamin C, regarded in countless studies as therapeutically effective in treating most cancers. We also offer IVs that address the peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy and IVs that address nutrient deficiencies resulting from the cancer experience.
Not mentioned above are other elements essential to cancer therapy like a consistent exercise program, having a dedicated support community and the importance of integrating a spiritual component into the overall scenario.
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Dr. Marcel: 650-961-1660
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Drs. Connie and Marcel's Big Island Vacation Rental
-- Devastation on Maui --
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As I write today, the fires rip through Maui. Destroyed in just moments, tourist mecca Lahaina is no more. Homes and lives and livelihoods have been lost. Survivors grieve and struggle to make sense of this horrific disaster. Hawaii has known hurricanes, tidal waves and volcanic eruptions, and now the fires. Through it all, communities have come together, and the Aloha spirit prevails.
Witnessing the evolution of land and structures here in Hawaii, the word “resilience” comes to mind. In the tropics, all things are more quickly reshaped and transformed as the seasons pass. Lava buries landmarks, and fern filled forests emerge. An avocado tree is split, and a sapling rises up from the stump. An ancient lychee tree, saturated by the rains and literally uprooted by the winds, hosts passion fruit vines covering what was the root ball and volunteer pumpkins spring forth through the tumble of fallen branches. As environments come and go, new opportunities for growth present themselves. Flora and fauna adapt, and humans do too.
We pray that those who have sustained so much loss this week will feel angel’s arms around them as they grieve and have the resilience to find their footing and create new lives for themselves. There are many online options for helping these people. Here’s one you might check out. www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.
Meanwhile, our island of Hawaii, while suffering some fires, is doing well, and we at our retreat center were untouched by the fires. So feel free to book time for yourself. A retreat in Hawaii is a perfect time to witness outer changes as well as inner and outer changes and adaptations within ourselves.
Check our calendar (link below) to see if there’s an available time at Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center that might work in your schedule.
(photo: devastation in Lahaina, Maui)
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Check our Hawaii Peace Garden Retreat calendar
and see if there’s an opening for you.
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Contact us directly at Pacific Naturopathic (650-961-1660) if you’re interested in staying at our Hawaii retreat. Please email Dr. Marcel directly at HawaiiND@mac.com with questions.
If you want to see more photos click HERE, but booking directly through us, not this site, will save you a chunk of money in fees.
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Breast Thermography
at Pacific Naturopathic
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- thermography and cancer -
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Breast thermography can play a role in evaluating breast health and in monitoring efficacy of therapeutic interventions through indicators of metabolic change. Because physiology precedes anatomy, physiologic changes detected on thermography can indicate the need to address breast health prior to the time where anatomic change would be seen on a mammogram. (Mammograms and thermograms are complementary testing methods, and neither thermography nor mammograms can definitively diagnose or rule out breast cancer. Only breast biopsy can do that.)
If a thermal risk rating is high, repeat thermography can indicate whether the risk has diminished after a treatment protocol, or whether the risk rating remains the same or is rising.
When breast cancer has occurred and been treated, ongoing thermograms can be compared to a baseline thermogram taken after recovery from conventional treatment. A temperature rise in a previously cool area indicates increased metabolic activity, which could indicate a return of malignancy.
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Read more about
breast thermography at
Pacific Naturopathic HERE
To schedule an appointment: 650-961-1660
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New on the shelf at Pacific Naturopathic
If you come in to the Pacific Naturopathic office, rather than visiting by video or phone, you may notice a few new products on the shelves in the waiting room. Many of our patients are familiar with the use of castor oil packs in liver detox and pain protocols. On the shelves, you’ll see a supply of castor oil and and unbleached cloths used to create the packs.
Also available now, is a product with which you might be less familiar… moringa powder.
Moringa is nutrient dense, with high calcium, potassium, iron, beta carotene, vitamin C and amino acid content. The nutrient value of moringa saves lives in malnourished populations.
Now known as a superfood, Moringa has a role in blood sugar stability in type 2 diabetes, and is used in traditional Indian medicine to help prevent several hundred diseases, and possibly as an adjunct in COVID treatment.
We advise using Moringa powder in soups, salads and smoothies.
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Mind/body perspective...
Jane's column will return next month
by Jane Hernandez, CCHT
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For more information about Jane Hernandez and her work click HERE
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Schedule directly with Jane at 510-676-1460
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Unusual Medical Practices
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The Beauty Micrometer
Beauty enhancement devices from the 20s, 30s and 40s look a lot more like they belong in torture chambers than a salons. The Beauty Micrometer is a scary-looking gadget that resembles a medieval torture device or something out of a horror film. Invented by Max Factor in 1934, the Beauty Micrometer detects defects in feminine beauty that are imperceptible to the naked eye.”
The device was used to help in the identification of the areas of a person’s face which need to have their appearance reduced or enhanced by make-up.
Placed on and around the head and face, the beauty micrometer uses flexible metal strips which align with a person’s facial features. The strips are held in place by set screws, allowing for 325 possible adjustments, enabling the operator to make fine measurements with a precision of one thousandth of an inch.
Surviving Beauty Micrometers are now museum pieces.
How many modern medical practices will seem bizarre to people living 200 years from now? I could name a few.
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Medical Humor: A Break From Reality | | | | |
